Luke Howarth (Petrie, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The Bald Hills Memorial Hall was erected almost 100 years ago, back in 1920, in memory of the soldiers from around Bald Hills who served in World War I. The hall was a place of friendships and commemoration, housing community group meetings and local events. When this hall was severely damaged by fire in November last year, it was a shock to the entire Bald Hills community. I understand just how important this hall was to local people and I want to assure the Bald Hills people that I am doing what I can to help rebuild it.

Just last Friday I met with the Bald Hills Memorial Hall Committee, along with the state member for Aspley, the Hon. Tracy Davis, and Brisbane City Councillor for Bracken Ridge Ward, Amanda Cooper, to discuss funding options. And I have been speaking with the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Dan Tehan, about getting some help from the federal government with restoration as well. In the meantime, I want to tell the Bald Hills people and the community not to worry. We are doing everything we can to make sure the hall is fixed as soon as possible. It will not be, unfortunately, ready for Anzac Day this year—there is always a wonderful Anzac Day commemoration in the Bald Hills community, and the hall is used—but it will be ready as soon as possible for next year.

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